7 July 2022
Following a marked increase in khapra beetle interceptions, in 2020 Australia introduced emergency measures to prevent its introduction through plant products and sea containers.
This Biosecurity Advice notifies stakeholders of the formal commencement of a pest risk analysis for khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium), consistent with standard processes.
The department expects to release the draft report for public consultation in early 2023.
Khapra beetle is one of the world’s most destructive pests of stored plant-based products and an effective hitchhiker. Khapra beetle is not present in Australia and is rated as the second highest national priority plant pest for Australia.
Australia introduced emergency measures (also called 'urgent actions'), in phases from September 2020, to prevent its introduction through plant products and sea containers. Khapra beetle had previously been intercepted at Australian borders only a few times each year prior to a marked increase in 2020. In addition to the increase in interceptions, khapra beetles were found in goods with which they had not previously been associated, and in shipments from countries not known to have khapra beetle. These interceptions indicate a changing pathway risk profile and have justified the introduction of the current emergency measures.
The department is initiating this pest risk analysis (PRA) to assess the biosecurity risks presented by khapra beetle through various pathways, evaluate the efficacy of emergency measures against the appropriate level of protection (ALOP) for Australia, consider the necessary ongoing phytosanitary measures, and ensure that any ongoing measures are scientifically justified. Although this PRA focusses on khapra beetle, it may also provide technical justification for the application of the measures to other Trogoderma species associated with stored plant products.
The emergency measures will remain in place for khapra beetle and other Trogoderma species of biosecurity concern to Australia until the pest risk analysis is completed and any recommended ongoing phytosanitary measures are implemented. For more information on the emergency measures, visit the Urgent actions to protect against khapra beetle web page.
We expect to release a draft pest risk analysis report for public consultation in early 2023. Another Biosecurity Advice will be issued to invite comment at that time. We will consider all stakeholder comments received during the consultation period in preparing the final report.
Stakeholders interested in receiving information and updates on risk analyses are invited to subscribe via our online subscription service. By subscribing to Biosecurity Risk Analysis Plant, stakeholders will receive Biosecurity Advices and other notifications relating to plant biosecurity policy, including this risk analysis.
Monica Collins
A/g First Assistant Secretary
Biosecurity Plant Division
Telephone: 1800 900 090
Email: imports@agriculture.gov.au